WSHS Travel Club 'working' to make trip to Italy, Greece

West Seattle High School students are "working their way" to Italy and Greece for a 10-day spring break trip.

Fifty-eight sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in the school's Travel Club that requires them to fundraise to meet the trip's $2700 per-person price tag. The trip takes place March 27 to April 5.

While parents of some students can afford to simply write a check for the full amount, all students will raise money to help those who would otherwise not have the funds for a trip. The Travel Club prides itself on requiring anonymity between students who need assistance with those who do not. All are expected to fundraise with equal effort.

Social studies and psychology teacher, Patrice DeLaOssa, is West Seattle High School Travel Club advisor. She says the trip offers an opportunity to the entire school.

"Typically these trips are sponsored by a language department," DeLaOssa said. "Ours is unique. We offered the trip to any student wanting to go who was willing to do the work." Four students in her psychology class will make the trip.

She said students in teams of three have been visiting area businesses, going door to door for donations for their Dec. 8 rummage sale, and for items they will sell on eBay. Metropolitan Market donated flowers. Massage certificates were donated by a West Seattle business. Dale Chuhuly has helped the cause by donating a glass piece to be sold on eBay thanks to a student's father who assists the famous artist.

"By hitting local businesses students are learning to interact with adults in ways that will help when they look for jobs in the future," DeLaOssa said.

The club is organizing "Night out in Seattle" this Saturday. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of that evening's proceeds toward the trip. Student travelers will offer babysitting in the gymnasium with movies and games to free up parents to eat out.

The club's literature mentions that individuals and businesses can "Adopt a Student Traveler...to be good global citizens who participate better in the world."

"Private schools have more support than public schools, and we want to show that we can do anything," said DeLaOssa. Student travelers must maintain at least a C-average and keep a travel journal. Presentations are scheduled after the trip, including photos, video, and sharing stories with other students, parents, sponsors, and the public.

DeLaOssa said next year the will be trying for Egypt.

For more information, contact Patrice DeLaOssa at pkdelaossa@seattleschools.org